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Im planning my first Safari for 2012. Its just in the earliest of the planning stage. Its primarily going to be for Plains game but I think Id like to include Leopard or possibly Buffalo. Heres my dilemma, I have a SxS 9.37R. Im concerned it may not be the best choice for longer shots on Plains game, I only just bought it and will be taking it to the range on Monday, so my concerns may change. My SxS isnt scoped and Id prefer to keep it that way; but Im open to sage advice about that. If another rifle is a good idea, would a scoped single shot Ruger No1 in 9.3x74R work, or am I expecting too much from the caliber? As an alternative, I was thinking about taking a scoped 30-06 for longer shots. My first choice would be a Ruger No1 and my fall back would be a scoped 20" Ruger International M77 Bolt action in 30-06; but Im concerned the shorter barrel will be a drawback. I dont expect to shoot beyond 200m and would prefer closer if possible? This is far from m first hunt BUT its my first AFRICAN hunt and Im clueless. Any suggestions??? Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | ||
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Firstly I think you need to decide between Leopard and Buff. Whatever you take for PG will work just fine on Leopard. However, Buff requires something more than a .30-06; both by common sense and by regulation. If only one rifle, I would suggest any of the .416 caliber bolt actions with a scope in QD mounts/rings. I am not overly familiar with your DR in 9.3x74R, and someone here who is will surely chime in, but I should think it acceptable for Buff, albeit on the low end, and PG, but not out to 200 meters without a scope. Welcome to AR and best of luck with your first safari. Mike ______________ DSC DRSS (again) SCI Life NRA Life Sables Life Mzuri IPHA "To be a Marine is enough." | |||
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EDELWEISS, you can search this page and the various cartridge pages and find this question multiple times, and get hundreds of answers. I agree with LionHunter, the '06 will kill all the PG and Leopard. For buffalo you'll need a .375 or larger. Good hunting, David Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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Thanks for the quick responses, Im driving myself crazy with this and so many other safari questions. The reason I havent decided on Leopard or Buff is because we havent decided yet on a specific Guide firm or even exactly which country. So I wanted to leave myself some options; but at the same time start shooting A LOT with the guns that I am taking. I dont want to be the guy that shows up never having shot with his rifle at anything.... My understanding is that the 9.3x74R is acceptable for Dangerous Game, as its in the same class as 375H&H. Please correct me if Im in error. Can I expect to take my Plains Game within 100m? My"guess" is that the 9.3x74R double rifle will be fine within that range even without a scope??? I start to get concerned about needing to take shots beyond 100m, especially without a scope. Thats where I driving myself crazy. Would a scoped single shot 9.3x74R handle the 200m range? Or would I better served with a scoped 30-06? IF a scoped 9.3x74R single shot would work out to 200m, then that would simplify ammo packing. If I need a 30-06, then would a scoped single shot No1 be OK? And do I need a barrel longer than 20 inches? Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | |||
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Depends upon where your hunting. On the open RSA plains or broken bush/kloof country, no. You can have average shots 200+ yards. Parts of Zim, Moz, Zambia, probably. You can find Buffalo in all country's but consider your timeframe and what kind of bull you'd be looking for. Time of year will play a role on how plentiful they should be in a given area or how scarce. Big Leopard on bait is how most are hunted. Dogs are getting outlawed more and more unfortunately. Some areas must quit at sunset, some can hunt at night. I'd still go with a scoped 30-06 pushing bullets in the 165 grain range. It will kill all plains game out to 300 yards+ Leopard will normally be 50-70 yards. Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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I agree. Take two rifles. Don't worry about taking two types of ammo as you will pack it all together anyway. You'll be glad you have a scoped rifle for PG and especially on Leopard. Mike ______________ DSC DRSS (again) SCI Life NRA Life Sables Life Mzuri IPHA "To be a Marine is enough." | |||
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Yes, I'll take two rifles in two different calibers. One will be the SxS 9.3x74R without a scope. So the question is what would be an appropriate lesser caliber second gun that is SCOPED for longer shots? Im a novice but it seems to my ignorance that a second gun in the same caliber, but in a different configuration (ie. scoped single shot or bolt action) would be a spot on idea, AS LONG AS the caliber is suitable. Looking at the ballistics 9.3x74R seems suitable; but again Im the novice here. IF 9.3x74R in a scoped single shot or bolt action ISN"T suitable, THEN would a SCOPED 30-06 single shot or bolt action be better<>AND IF NOT what do you suggest? Im not trying to argue with your experiences, Im just trying to get advice to the questions Im asking.... Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | |||
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Again, take the 30-06, bolt action would be best unless you shoot the #1 much better. I'd go with 165 gr bullets and nothing heavier. Good bullets from that caliber will handle any PG at distance. Again, it depends upon where your hunt whether your yardage will be 50 yards or 200+ LDK Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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Thanks! Now its on to all the rest of the questions.... What to hunt, Where to do it, Who to choose as a PH? Yep planning is just another fun part, wait till I start packing and un-packing and re-packing. I love it! Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | |||
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If you'd like to send me an email and let me know what your looking to hunt, I'll be glad to send you some options. We have some great packages in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana. Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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The 9.3x74 DR will be great for 90% of African hunting providing it is reliable, shoots good bullets well and you are familiar with it.  | |||
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For Buff you will need to take the 9.3x74 to meet the regulations required if you are hunting in Zim. It is also a sensible idea (according to more experienced members here than me, for Buff) regardless of where you hunt. I took a 9.3x62 bolt action to hunt in Bushveldt and while most shots were 40 metres, I took three kudu at over 200 metres. No matter what you take you must practise with it and be comfortable to take those long shots. You will need a lot of will power/experience on your first safari to pass up on shots you don't feel comfortable with. Talk to your PH and get his advice. If he knows you have to get in close to use open sights he should be able to accomodate you. | |||
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As it is mostly for PG I would consider a low power lightweight scope, but if you're comfortable and practised with iron sights the go for it. I'd just take the one rifle (nice small aluminium take-down hard case) and head for somewhere like Zim. | |||
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If you are willing to "hunt" and work for the closer shots the 9.3X74 is great. I recently acquired a 9.3X74 double - scoped and am getting it ready for Pa Whitetail season. My prior WT rifle was a Ruger #l 9.3X74. I have used the #1 in Africa for Bushbuck and of course that was close shooting, last month I used a drilling 9.3X74 for Red Duiker. I would not be concerned to use it on Leopard or Bufffalo (in Zim) as long as it meets the requirements. I am not recommending this but you must remember on DG the PH will be there in case of SHIT, but it is still your responsibility to see SHIT doesn't happen i e SHOT PLACEMENT! Be familar with your weapon, use it to hunt with prior to Africa not just on the range. Good Luck with your selection process. | |||
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EDELWEISS, You say you are a novice. Does this mean to Africa or hunting and firearms entirely? If the former then do a lot of reading and get some good dvd's of hunting scenes as this will sharpen your visualization of what to expect. Try to find an experienced African hunter who will share their experience. If you are a novice to firearms I advise a scope sighted .22 rifle be acquired and shoot it a lot and your larger caliber rifles later and less. Get the fundamentals in place, then begin to experience the greater recoil, noise and expense. Your .30/06 with a scope provides maximum versatility on game other than the dangerous category. Be sure to use good bullets such as Barnes TSX, Swift Aframe, or Trophy Bonded and others. | |||
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My last two safaris I took a 9.3 X 62 (9.3 X 74R bolt action cousin). Used Barnes 286gr TSX and Nosler Partitions in the same 286gr weight. Took Buff at 35yds, Eland at 100 yds, Hippo at 125 yds, Bushbuck at 75 yds, Sable at 225 yds, Leopard at 45 yds, lots of Baboons, Duiker, Warthog,small stuff for bait, 25 to 75 yds with excellent results. The rifle was a CZ 500 fullstock with 20 " barrel, scoped with a Trijicon 3 X 9 amber post recticle. If you really want to take the 9.3 X 74R S X S and it seems you do, look at fitting it with a low power scope in QD mounts and stick with one gun. Good luck and good hunting. Larry Sellers SCI Life Member | |||
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Thanks, Larry I now know how my CZ 9.3X62 will perform no need for me to do anything.  I haven't even taken it out of the safe but all is good. Seriously I would love to get the 62 on course but just having too much fun with the 74 and then silly me I want to do a 64, go figure  | |||
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In my experience, you need a scope to find a hole in the jesse through which to shoot your buffalo. Otherwise you will have to pass up 40% of your shots (according to Boddington's book), and this stuff about passing up shots on one's first safari is just nonsense. Also, any rifle you carry should be suitable for any game encountered. Just because you're hunting an antelope does not mean that is what you'll see. The last time I was tracking buffalo, I shot a zebra. So get yourself a bolt action .375 or 9.3x62 with a Burris 1.5-6 variable scope, the one with the red laser dot for late shooting at leopard. Carry it with premium soft points for the first two rounds and solids for the next two. You'll be ready for anything you encounter. Indy Life is short. Hunt hard. | |||
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Ive hunted Bear in Canada, and Boar in the US as well as other "tammer" game. If you count the Army and Police Department, well then Ive hunted "Dangerous Game" around town and the world. Im no NOVICE to guns and hunting; but as for Afrika, Im a noob. I just bought my Double Rifle and I'm taking it on a Boar hunt in November. Before then it'll get a workout at the range. Im pretty comfortable with a Ruger No1; but I dont have one in a caliber for Plains Game. So thats next on my shopping list. I was considering a scoped No1 in 9.3x74R to accompany the SxS in 9.3x74R; but Im hearing some countries wont let me bring in two guns in the same caliber??? If thats the case, then I think I'll have to get a scoped No1 in 30-06 Size Matters--A study of PDW's, PCC's, and SBR's http://www.onesourcetactical.c...rs.aspx#.U9NDS3ZundU | |||
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edelw, The 9.3 will do what you want it too. Being experienced accurate shooting is always a must. But something to consider if your 9.3 goes down you will need a bigger rifle for dg. Sending you a pm. Mike | |||
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One rifle, one planet, Holland's 375 Frank "I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money." - Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953 NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite | |||
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What Frank said. If in doubt, just take a 375 H&H., with 300 gr. bullets. It's ALL good. Mad Dog | |||
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Because it will do so much more than a 286gr 9,3 bullet?  | |||
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